Ubisoft Gives Away for Honor but Bans Linux Players

Ubisoft has launched a promotion that allows players to claim For Honor for free on the Ubisoft Store until September 28. The offer appears generous on the surface, yet it comes with a significant restriction that excludes a specific segment of the gaming community from accessing the online modes entirely.

The exclusivity stems from the implementation of a new kernel-level anti-cheat system. Because this technology requires closed-source operating system kernels to function, Ubisoft has blocked access for anyone using Linux-based systems, including those running SteamOS on handheld devices.

Anti-cheat tech blocks open-source users

The core issue is technical compatibility. Kernel-level anti-cheat solutions operate at the deepest level of the operating system to detect cheating software. On Windows, this is standard. On Linux, however, the kernel is open-source and community-driven, making it impossible for Ubisoft to enforce the same level of control.

As reported by XDA Developers, this means that even if a Linux user purchases the game or claims the free version, they will be unable to connect to online servers. The anti-cheat simply refuses to run, locking the user out of the competitive modes that were the primary reason for the game's recent update.

Free offer limited to standard edition

While the free offer on the Ubisoft Store is permanent, it applies only to the Standard edition of the game. Players looking for additional content, such as the Gold or Ultimate editions, must purchase them separately. These higher-tier versions are currently discounted by 85% on Steam, but the online restriction still applies to non-Windows systems.

On other platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, the Standard edition is not free but is available for approximately 90% off. This creates a confusing situation where the most accessible version of the game is also the most restricted for a significant portion of the market.

Trade-offs for handheld gaming users

The impact is particularly felt by users of Steam Deck and similar handheld devices. Since SteamOS is based on Arch Linux, it is directly affected by the anti-cheat block. This effectively removes a key title from the library of users who prefer open-source operating systems for their portable gaming setups.

For those who have already purchased the game and played past the refund window, the situation is more frustrating. Some users have reported difficulties securing refunds after being locked out, highlighting the financial and experiential cost of this technical limitation. The free offer, therefore, serves as a double-edged sword: it provides easy access for Windows users but reinforces a barrier for others.